Today we’d like to introduce you to Nishat Hamid.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
Cherry On Top Cake has been through quite the journey. While attending community college in San Fernando Valley, I picked up the side hobby of cake decorating.
All my friends had moved away for college, and I felt like I needed something productive to do with my free time. I always had an interest in arts in crafts and grew up watching shows on Food Network like Ace of Cakes which always intrigued me. I took a few classes that taught me the basics of buttercream and then took it a step further by teaching myself more techniques through YouTube. I started creating cakes for family and friends and slowly started seeing outside interest of my products.
I created a Facebook and Instagram page which slowly took flight as I posted more and more of my work. Cherry On Top Cake then traveled with me to Irvine where I was studying psychology as a student at UCI. While studying, working, and socializing like a normal college student, I was also building this brand for Cherry On Top Cake and becoming a popular name on campus. I created cake-in-a-jars during finals week, delivered goodies to students for Valentines Day, and catered desserts for Greek Life events.
After graduating, the company moved with me to Los Angeles as I attended USC for my Master’s program in Educational Counseling. I had successful graduation sales, catered dessert tables for events, and delivered birthday cakes. As an academic advisor/college professor at various community colleges around Los Angeles, I have now built this brand that effortlessly combines my two passions in life- helping students and creating cake masterpieces at affordable prices.
Has it been a smooth road?
It was not a smooth road at all. The biggest struggle I still face today is being a one-man business. Many don’t realize that decorating cakes is not the only thing I do – I drive to grocery shops, I buy ingredients, I bake all the cakes and treats, I create excel sheets to organize my orders, I spend hours researching designs, I write invoices, I call clients to consult, I deliver cakes and so much more. All of this while juggling full-time school, full-time work, family, friends, and social life.
There have been many times where I question myself and don’t know if what I’m doing is worth the time- however when I see a client’s face as they see the cake I created, I can’t help but smile. The reactions and sweet comments I get are what make all the obstacles and hurdles worth it.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
Cherry On Top Cake is a custom cake decorating business. I specialize in cakes, cake pops, chocolate covered Oreos, cake-in-a-jar, and dessert tables. I’m known to students and parents as “the bakery that makes it easy to order and tastes just as great.”
The variety of items, as well as the cultural uniqueness of my baked goods, sets me apart from the rest. It’s no secret that South East Asian cuisine is some of the best in the world. Beyond the savory dishes, there are some truly indulgent sweets! From mango lassi to Gulab Jaman, desserts/drinks across South Asia hit the right spot.
However, being a minority group in SoCal comes with minor setbacks including having to assimilate to the wedding norms around us and have typical “American” desserts. I found that there aren’t that many flavors that represent our culture in today’s cake shops.
I started experimenting and creating cupcakes flavors that are unique and replicate popular foods like jalebi, Gulab jaman, chai, rose, and pistachio. I also create custom cakes designed to look like Sherwanis, Sarees, and Henna which are traditional wedding attires.
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
Yes! There is such a diverse population here in LA that what you do can cater to anyone. People are so welcoming and love supporting small businesses, so I feel like there is never a constant competition.
Contact Info:
- Phone: 818 585 3348
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cherryontopcake/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CherryOnTopCakeByNishat/
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